7 quick hits of cannabis news from across Michigan

By Kyle Kaminski

February 9, 2026

MICHIGAN—It’s been another busy week for Michigan weed. And as usual, we’re grinding up the headlines, flicking out the seeds and stems, and rolling the rest into one tidy news joint.

Here’s what’s worth a puff:

BACKDOOR BUD: Cops say the black market for weed is still booming in Michigan, with large illegal home grows and pop-up operations outpacing what short-staffed police can track down. Authorities reportedly blame weak enforcement funding and rising weed taxes.

SCHEDULE SHIFT: In a column published in Crain’s Detroit Business, Hello Farms CEO Brian Farah says the Trump administration’s move to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance could steady the state’s shaky weed market—namely by unlocking new tax breaks that would soften the blow of Michigan’s new 24% wholesale tax.

POTHOLE POLITICS: It’s not just weed companies sweating Michigan’s new 24% cannabis tax. County road commissions say the possibility of the tax being overturned in court has thrown their budgets into limbo with some road and bridge repair projects already facing delays.

CHEESE STATE CHILL: Wisconsin Democrats are rolling out a bill to legalize recreational weed, arguing their state is surrounded by legal markets and quickly falling behind. With Republicans controlling the Legislature, the plan faces an uphill climb. But if it passes, it could siphon customers from Up North border dispensaries that rely on Badger State buyers.

MEGATRON MEET-UP: Detroit Lions legend Calvin Johnson stopped by a Niles dispensary for a merch drop and re-release of his “Megachron” strain. The strain was developed by Jeeter in partnership with Primitiv, a brand Johnson launched with former Lions teammate Rob Sims.

GROWING THE ECONOMY: New Buffalo officials say local dispensaries have created hundreds of jobs and generated hundreds of thousands in tax revenue for roads, trails, and fire services—with another $1.5 million payout expected this year.

CHARITABLE CANNABIS: Michigan customers who order their weed online through the Dutchie platform are now able to round up their totals to support cannabis legalization and expungement groups—including the Last Prisoner Project.

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Author

Kyle Kaminski

Kyle Kaminski is an award-winning investigative journalist with more than a decade of experience covering news across Michigan. Prior to joining The ‘Gander, Kyle worked as the managing editor at City Pulse in Lansing and as a reporter for the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

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CATEGORIES: CANNABIS

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